Ancient Epitome of Canon III.
A neophite is not ordainable.
This rule is laid down in the Second Nicene canon. Balsamon also compares Apostolic Canon lxxx.
Balsamon.
Notwithstanding this provision, that great light, Nectarius, just separated from the flock of the catechumens, when he had washed away the sins of his life in the divine font, now pure himself, he put on the most pure dignity of the episcopate, and at the same time became bishop of the Imperial City, and president of the Second Holy Ecumenical Synod.
Canon IV.
They who are of the sacerdotal order ought not to lend and receive usury, nor what is called hemioliae.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon IV.
A priest is not to receive usury nor hemioliae.
The same rule is laid down in the seventeenth Canon of Nice. For a treatment of the whole subject of usury see excursus to that canon.
Dionysius Exiguus and Isidore have numbered this canon v., and our fifth they have as iv.
This canon is found in the Corpus Juris Canonici , Gratian's Decretum , Pars I., Dist. XLVI., can. ix.
Canon V.
Ordinations are not to be held in the presence of hearers.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon V.
Ordinations are not to be performed in the presence of hearers.
Balsamon.
This canon calls elections "laying on of hands," and says that since in elections un- worthy things are often said with regard to those who are elected, therefore they should not take place in the presence of any that might happen to come to hear.
Zonaras also agrees that election is here intended, but Aristenus dissents and makes the reference to ordinations properly so-called, as follows:
Aristenus.
The prayers of ordination are not to be said out loud so that they may be heard by the people.
Canon VI.
IT is not permitted to heretics to enter the house of God while they continue in heresy.